Summer Ends Too Soon

Summer Ends Too Soon
by Lorna Dee Cervantes

Was the last she said. Beautiful
Maria, Ave Maria. Maria dodging
father's fists -- and his. Maria praying
under the table. Maria crooning pain
songs in the bathroom. Maria combing
his sludge out of her hair. Maria
serving masters. Seventeen year
old Maria. Maria, your Lady
of the Kept Secret. Maria dancing
to his temper. Maria washing
her panties in the toilet. Two
days after graduation, Maria
swaying from the limb. Maria,
sweet purple fruit of his sin.
Ave Maria.

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